Governor Kathy Hochul major milestone in the long-awaited conversion of State Route 17 into Interstate 86 in Orange and Sullivan Counties
New York (October 5, 2022) — Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a major milestone in the long-awaited conversion of State Route 17 into Interstate 86 in Orange and Sullivan Counties. Work has begun on a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the upgrade of the roadway to interstate standards, with public outreach and involvement efforts expected to begin in early 2023. The launch of the environmental review process follows the inclusion of up to $1 billion in the recently adopted State Capital plan to accelerate the conversion of the highway, which is a vital artery for the flow of people and commerce to and from the Mid-Hudson, Catskills and Southern Tier regions, to interstate standards and add a third lane.
“As we continue to improve our infrastructure across the Empire State, we are laser-focused on delivering smart projects like this monumental investment in the Mid-Hudson region that maximize impact on regional economies,” Governor Hochul said. “The Route 17 Draft Environmental Impact Statement kicks off this transformative project, which will enhance tourism, economic competitiveness and quality of life for residents and visitors alike. The Mid-Hudson region is a jewel of the New York State and with this project we are helping this region not only meet, but exceed its future potential.”
Converting State Route 17 in Orange and Sullivan counties to Interstate 86 will relieve road congestion and further fuel what has already been explosive growth in the region. Landmark investments in the Mid-Hudson Valley have already resulted in the expansion of Woodbury Common Premium Outlets and the construction of LEGOLAND and Resorts World Catskills Casino. Over the past several years, projects have been completed by the Department of Transportation to further upgrade sections of Route 17, including reconstruction of the interchange at Exit 131, where Route 17 meets Interstate 87 and Route 32 (Woodbury Common Premium Outlets) and reconstruction of Exit 122 Stage I and Exit 125 (LEGOLAND) to meet interstate standards.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “This project is a great example of Governor Hochul’s vision of reconnecting communities by investing in infrastructure to strengthen our economy and create more resilient and healthier places to live and work. This environmental review process for the Route 17 conversion is an important step forward that will help us improve one of the busiest travel corridors in the state and bolster an economic lifeline for the surrounding communities.”
Senator Chuck Schumer said, “I was pleased to deliver record federal dollars for the state via the Bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Act that will support converting the overcrowded Route 17 in Orange and Sullivan counties to Interstate 86, and am pleased that New York State is commencing the environmental review process with public participation. Adding a third lane will relieve road congestion, aid first responders and greatly boost economic growth in the Hudson Valley and the Catskills. I commend Governor Hochul for driving this project forward, and I will keep fighting to make sure the EIS addresses all the community’s concerns to ensure the success of this project.”
Representative Sean Patrick Maloney said, “Access to the Interstate highway system is crucial to the growth and future development of Orange County businesses near the Route 17/I-86 corridor. For years, I’ve proudly stood with our brothers and sisters in labor, with our Chambers of Commerce and our diverse and thriving business community, supporting this conversion. I applaud Governor Hochul and the State for taking this crucial step towards the goal of delivering this much-needed Interstate access to Orange County.”
Representative Pat Ryan said, “Converting State Route 17 into Interstate 86 by modernizing bridges, improving local roads and adding a third lane so that it meets interstate standards is an absolute priority for the Mid-Hudson Valley and Catskills. I welcome this new step forward and look forward to working with partners across New York State, especially the men and women of organized labor, to ensure this process keeps moving forward in order to decrease traffic congestion and grow our economy Upstate.”
State Senator James Skoufis said, “After years of inaction at the state and federal level, I’m thrilled to hear the environmental reviews are moving apace for the Route 17-I86 conversion. Long a headache for so many of us, this major infrastructure project will buoy our economy with new jobs and easier access to the region, keep motorists moving, alleviate maintenance issues, and serve as a key corridor for west of Hudson.”
Assemblymember Aileen Gunther said, “The fast tracking of Route 17 to Interstate 86 will lead to increased revenue and prosperity in both Orange and Sullivan Counties. Thank you Governor Kathy Hochul.”
Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus said, “Improving Route 17 is important to the economy of our region, and I look forward to seeing continued State investment in our region’s transportation network. The expansion of State Route 17 into Interstate 86 will allow us to continue to market this economically vital corridor for growth and sustainable development.”
Sullivan County Manager Josh Potosek said, “Route 17 has long been the backbone of Sullivan County and our primary connection to the rest of New York State. I thank Governor Hochul and the State Legislature for devoting funds and attention to completing the long-awaited conversion to Interstate 86. We are a growing County in a fast-growing part of New York, and the State’s enormous investment in Route 17 will ensure that growth is not strangled by inadequate infrastructure.”
The DEIS will build on the recently completed Planning and Environmental Linkage (PEL) study and assess the conversion of the full Route 17 corridor in Orange County and eastern Sullivan County to Interstate standards. The DEIS will perform a full NEPA environmental assessment of alternatives starting with those identified as reasonable in the Final PEL Report, looking at issues such as air quality, wetland impacts, and environmental justice. Among the alternatives to be screened will be the inclusion of such features as the addition of a third lane, interchange improvements, bridge replacements and enhanced park-n-ride facilities, including expanded capacity and EV charging. NYSDOT expects to publish a final Environmental Impact Statement for the project in 2025. The Department is also progressing contract plans to complete Stage II of the Exit 122 interchange project to enhance the westbound ramp system. It is expected that construction will start in the spring of 2024.
